Murrumba Downs fatal crash: Inside teen’s gangsta TikTok before fatal crash
A 16-year-old boy allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen Audi involved in a crash which killed a Brisbane grandmother posted videos online throwing up hand signs, dancing to rap music and giving the middle finger.
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A 16-year-old boy allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen Audi involved in a crash which killed a Brisbane grandmother posted videos online throwing up hand signs, dancing to rap music and giving the middle finger.
Police will allege the teen was in a stolen Audi when it slammed into the car of Brisbane grandmother Rosemary Franzidis at an intersection on Dohles Rocks Rd, Murrumba Downs on Thursday.
Mrs Franzidis sadly died at the scene.
The boy, from Caboolture, was charged on Thursday night with manslaughter, armed robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
He remains behind bars on remand.
The boy’s TikTok includes videos of him smoking, drinking beers, and wearing a bandana to cover his face.
Other videos include one of a skidding car with the caption “it’s only skids”, one of the boy inside a vehicle wearing a bandana to cover his face, and a third video of a video game which shows a car doing donuts.
The boy also posted videos throwing up hand signs, dancing to rap music, and giving the middle finger to the camera.
He also posted a video captioned “I’m happy to have this family”, accompanied by photos and videos of him and other teenagers walking the streets, in a fight, posing to the camera and inside a car.
The teen posted multiple videos of pictures comparing what he looked like when he was younger to his current age.
The videos were posted over the past year.
The grandmother of the teenager said the tragedy could have been prevented.
The boy’s grandmother, who cannot be identified, slammed the legal system for letting repeat offenders like her grandson back on the streets.
The teenager had a criminal history which included property offences and multiple breaches of bail.
“Hold these animals accountable for what they’re doing, they’re not kids, they’re animals,” she told 9 News.
“The legal system and these judges are letting these animals out … they need to be held accountable.”
The grandmother said the boy had been to court several times and had fallen into the wrong crowd.
“The moment he knew, when that police officer said to him at 14 ‘you don’t have to go home to your grandmother’, that started a trail.
“When you go up to court 16 times … who let him out? Who said that this child was okay to be on the streets?”
At the scene on Thursday, Chief Superintendent Adam Guild said the boy was known to police and confirmed he had matters before the court but said he believed the youth wasn’t on bail at the time.
On Friday, a court heard the boy had been in the care of the Department of Child Safety for the past four years and had never met his father.
“He spoke to his mum yesterday and he instructs that she is not bothered by the situation he finds himself in,” Youth Advocacy Centre solicitor Alzena Mariani said.
“He doesn’t have any support in the community, I’ve made inquiries asking, prior to this happening, who was on your side and who were you talking to? That’s nobody – he has no family and no support, so I’m not sure what the Department of Child Safety was doing.”
The boy’s grandmother also apologised to Mrs Franzidis’ family, saying she didn’t want anyone else to get hurt.
“Know from my soul that I am so, so, so deeply, sincerely, and heartfelt sorry.
“We can’t have any more victims, it has to stop, and I’m going to scream and stand up and make sure no one else is hurt.”
Meanwhile, as tributes continue to flow for Mrs Franzidis, friends have set up a GoFundMe to help her family.
Maureen Hines said funds raised would go towards funeral expenses, travel costs for family members coming from overseas.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I’m reaching out on behalf of my lovely friend Jean-Paul, who has recently experienced an unimaginable loss of his beloved wife Rosemary, who was tragically taken from us in a terrible accident in Murrumba Downs,” the fundraiser said.
“They’ve been pillars of our community for years, always there to lend a hand, support others through tough times and spread kindness. Even now, they are hesitant to ask for help, as they’ve always given so selflessly to others.
“This GoFundMe is a way for us all as a community to help ease the weight they’re carrying. Funds raised will go towards funeral expenses, travel costs for family members coming from overseas and any other unexpected expenses they may face over this time.
“They have three beautiful daughters and three precious grandchildren who will need the love and support of their community as they navigate life without their beloved mother and granny.
“We know times are difficult for many, so if a financial contribution isn’t possible, please know that your support, prayers and kind thoughts are truly more than enough.
“Let’s come together as a community to offer them the love, strength and support they’ve so generously given to all of our community over the years. Thank you for any help you can offer, whether through donations or simply keeping this family in your thoughts and prayers.
“With heartfelt gratitude.”
So far more than $4000 has been raised.
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